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5.16.20

Two women on a wooden bench inside a sauna of a Korean spa

Nudity plus culture shock can be a terrifying combination. In the case of Korean spas, it’s simply the price to pay for otherworldly relaxation. This traditional experience is basically a black hole of holistic health and hardcore leisure, and lately we’re a little obsessed. Pop in for a sweat and a skin-polishing scrub down; leave feeling amazing from all day detoxing, with a glow people will comment on and muscles so relaxed they feel like pudding.

What have I gotten myself into? A reasonable question for the K-spa newbie. Imagine a giant, multi-level bath house with different therapeutic rooms (herbal sauna, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, ice room etc.), where you can also get a delirium-inducing massage and other beauty treatments followed by a feast of authentic Korean eats — all under one roof. We could easily spend four plus hours there (some are open 24/7 so technically we never have to leave) and not think of our phones or clothes once.

We’ve become pros at navigating the terrain, from how to handle the co-ed jimjilbang to the dos and don’ts of the in-house cafe. Whether you’ve been a million times or never, don’t be scared; bring a friend, submit to the scene and thank us for these tips later…

10 Rules Of Korean Spa-Ing

Get Naked. Like, really naked. Not just physically, but existentially. Strip down to the point where you don’t care about being fully nude around lots of strangers. Own it. Overcome the overwhelm. It’s shocking, it’s weird and then it’s not. Don’t even try to sneak in with that tiny lace thong, you will be chased down and yelled at by a stern Korean woman and will end up taking it off.

Come Clean. As in, don’t wear makeup and don’t try to look cute. The first thing you’ll do when you get to the spa is to take a shower (because hygiene), then you’ll be bopping back and forth between steam rooms and saunas forever — or until you leave. You don’t want a mess of melted mascara distracting from your newfound glow, now do you?

Don’t be shy. Eye contact happens, you’ll survive. Expect to spend a portion of your day in a brightly lit room with other equally nude patrons, including middle-aged Korean women with a soul penetrating gaze you just have to tune out. Try not to stare, but no need to keep your eyes on the floor: they’re just bodies, we all have them and we’re all here to get them silky and relaxed — don’t overthink it.

Know Your Limits. Some of the saunas are intense. Don’t stay until you have to be dragged out; pay attention to what your body is feeling. The same goes for hot tubs. One is always scalding, one is more temperate, both will leave you raw and raisin’d if you don’t know when to call it quits.

Thou Shalt Scrub. The oil scrub massage is not necessary but is definitely a highlight. It’s the most thorough rub down you’ve never imagined, and well worth the occasional wince (especially once you see how much dead skin is no longer on your person). Yes, it’s a touch invasive, but in the best way possible that will leave you fully tension-free and with with silky skin that could put a baby’s to shame.

Keep the peace. There’s a vibe, respect it. People of all ages come to the Korean spa to relax — hard. While there’s definitely a social element to the experience, it’s not a party. Silence is golden. Come with friends, detox together, but keep chatter to a quiet minimum. Maybe that means bringing a book or developing a system of hand signals for emergency communication (telepathy might also be useful, but isn’t a requirement).

Toss The Tech. Keep your phone in your locker because A. it’s kinda creepy to have it when everyone is nakie, B. you don’t want it near water and high temps anyways, and C. why not take the opportunity to simply be where you are? You have everything you need. Settle into the comfort of knowing you could grab it if the urge to selfie is just too strong, but ask yourself: do you really need another?

Don’t Dine Nude. This tip might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many boundaries are blurred once you’re inside the Korean spa. We don’t know if you’ve ever attempted to eat out of a sizzling stone bowl with chopsticks but it’s rarely a clean feat; add some nudity and it’s a full-blown hazard. If the cafe is in the co-ed area, definitely stick to this rule.

BYOB. Bring your own beauty! Some spas will have little shops where you can stock up on essential Korean products, but if you’re like us, you have a backlog of beauty ready to roll. Bring a mask, deep conditioner, your latest lotion obsession – whatever floats your boat. Pretend this is your own bathroom, but with lots of other naked people primping themselves in close proximity.

Don’t Hold Back. No shame! Paste on that creepy sheet mask that makes you look like a Harry Potter villain, don’t think twice about your uneven boobs. Korean spa-ing is the ultimate exercise in confidence. Do you. This is a judgment-free zone.

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Comments


  1. BYOB. Bring your own beauty! Some spas will have little shops where you can stock up on essential Korean products, but if you’re like us, you have a backlog of beauty ready to roll. Bring a mask, deep conditioner, your latest lotion obsession – whatever floats your boat. Pretend this is your own bathroom, but with lots of other naked people primping themselves in close proximity.

    Every spa has their own rules about what products you are allowed to bring in. For example, the spa that I go to does not allow any face/body oils in the bath/shower area because they deem it not safe for public (slippery oil + water). If you’re unsure, best to call beforehand and ask.

    Christine | 03.13.2017 | Reply
  2. Please help me find a local Korean spa! Any suggestions on finding a reputable one?

    Kimberly | 03.13.2017 | Reply
  3. Google it – there are so many options from Wi to Century to ??? Based on what you want – check Yelp reviews. Finally check Groupon’s.

    Coco | 03.16.2017 | Reply
  4. I absolutely love Natura Spa, which is right in the heart of K-town. I am not a fan of 24 hour co-ed spas and where there are families and children (sometimes, you just want peace and quiet), so this place is perfect. The scrubs and facials are great, and so are the amenities – they have a few rooms where you can relax and soak in the jade and clay, and a few pools as well. The kitchen prepares great food, and it’s never too crowded or loud. I think the cost is around $100 for scrub and massage, and they’ll waive the entrance fee.

    If you want to go more premium, I would suggest Crystal Spa. It’s higher priced than Natura, but they have more amenities and the place is newer. Both are fantastic though!

    Weeknights tend to be more quiet.

  5. Some really excellent content on this website, regards for contribution.

    mỹ phẩm deaura có tốt không | 07.21.2018 | Reply
  6. I conceive you have observed some very interesting details, thank you for
    the post.

    nhận xét deaura | 08.02.2018 | Reply
  7. i want to visit but how old must one be to able to stay overnight in there though…?

    jolin | 04.05.2019 | Reply
  8. This was the BEST culture shock a girl could ever ask for. I wish I read this before I went!

    Kelly | 05.31.2019 | Reply
  9. Hmm interesting! I never been .. sounds like a nudist camp . Are the massages performed in the nude ? Is the Korean women nude too that do the spa services? Is there privacy when you get your spa treatment? Massage or facial? Separate private rooms ? Thankyou !

  10. Best Korean spa on the planet is Boca Heaven located in Boca, Florida. Beautiful experience. Tough scrub but well worth it. Loved the experience. I’m a guy. They always respect your level of privacy.

    Dave | 10.04.2019 | Reply
  11. Please help me find Korean Spa in Tampa, Florida. I went to one in Queens NY. Love it. Now in tampa.

    M Eng | 06.22.2021 | Reply
  12. help me find Korean spa

    eric gross | 12.31.2021 | Reply
  13. is there one in Maryland

    Eric Gross | 12.31.2021 | Reply
  14. I went to one in San Fran a few years ago and loved it. I’m going to one in Las Vegas next Sunday and I can’t wait

    Melissa | 02.03.2022 | Reply
  15. Are Koren spas size inclusive or will my larger body be chastised?

    WishItWasEasy | 05.29.2022 | Reply
  16. when I used to live in Oz , Sydney there was a really good one ,. also so cheap compared to some of those spas with ridiculous prices . any way i start for 5 person to go and we end up for mor that 10 or 12 persons , that was so good and loved it

    Zohreh Ghadery | 06.21.2022 | Reply
  17. As I read this I felt as if I had gone thru one. I was so relaxed afterward. I even wrote my own article about trying it and getting the experience of floating upon leaving as if on cloud 9.

    Pattye Scott | 08.09.2022 | Reply
  18. So Natura Spa, which is right in the heart of K-town. is in California Be specific
    same with Crystal Spa. is also in California

    Mr NewYork & South Florida (Both) | 07.09.2023 | Reply

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